In the year to 30 June 2024, 15 children under the age of five died by drowning in Australia. Half of these incidents occurred in private swimming pools.
Compliant and properly maintained pool and spa barriers that restrict access to private swimming pools can save lives. The Building Regulations 2018 mandate the registration of all private swimming pools and spas in Victoria along with compliant safety barriers.
Young children should be actively supervised in and around swimming pools and spas at all times. For more information on keeping children safe around pools and spas, visit Life Saving Victoria and Kidsafe Victoria.
Legal requirements for pool and spa owners
All landowners are legally required to register any pool or spa on their property with the relevant local council. They must also have a compliant safety barrier in place – regardless of whether children live at the property.
All pools and spas capable of holding more than 30cm of water must have a compliant safety barrier. This applies to all construction types – permanent, in-ground, above-ground, relocatable and inflatable pools and spas.
It is the pool or spa owner’s responsibility to maintain the safety barrier’s effective operation at all times. Gates to pool and spa safety barriers must remain closed except when entering the pool or spa.
Registration and inspection requirements
All pool or spa owners must:
- Register the pool or spa with council. Your local council website will have information on how to do this.
- Arrange for a registered swimming pool inspector, building inspector or building surveyor to inspect the pool barrier for compliance. If required, rectify any issues identified by the inspection.
- Submit the barrier compliance certificate issued by the inspector to council within 30 days of receipt.
- Get the pool inspected every four years to obtain a new barrier compliance certificate and lodge it with council.
Your council can provide you with further information on your obligations as a pool and spa owner, including registration deadlines and when your pool or spa is due for the next inspection.
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